FWCS - Vision, Dental, Hearing & Other Screenings

Students in grades, 1,3,5,and 8 are screened annually for vision deficits by school nurses, and the Parkview Community Nursing Department. Additionally our Local Lion’s Club screens children in grades pre-k and Kindergarten. Annual hearing screenings are offered, through the Speech and Hearing Department, students in grades 1,4,7 and 10. The Dental Screening and Sealant Program is offered in Title I elementary schools (grades 2 and 3) and in title I middle schools( grades 6 and 7). Individuals can be screened at any grade level if a deficit is suspected. If you have any concerns about your child, contact your school nurse.

*Special Note: Specific grade level screening is mandated by the State of Indiana. If you do not want your child to participate in mandatory screening, you must notify your child’s school in writing.

Vision

The American Academy of Ophthalmology, The Eye M.D. Association wrote in 2001: "Good vision is essential for proper physical development and educational progress in growing children. The visual system in the young child is not fully mature. Equal input from both eyes is required for proper development of the visual centers in the brain. If a growing child’s eye does not provide a clear focused image to the developing brain, then permanent irreversible loss of vision may result. Early detection provides the best opportunity for effective, inexpensive treatment". FWCS complies with state vision screening guidelines by screening all children in grades 1,3,5,and 8. Additionally children in pre-K and kindergarten may be screed, along with any students where a visual deficit is suspected.

Vision screening programs provide an effective test for school children. The Fort Wayne Community Schools screening programs are carried out by school nurses and/or properly trained lay persons. Testing is done in a way to avoid loss of educational time, while providing accurate results. Care is taken to minimize unnecessary referrals and cost.

School nurses provide, on an individual basis, access to additional resources that provide professional evaluations and eye glasses. Students that participate in Medicaid may qualify for an eye exam and glasses (if indicated) each year.

Dental

According to a study done by National Institute of Health in 2010, 42% of children age 2 to 11 have had dental caries in their primary teeth and, 23% of those cavities go untreated. Decaying teeth can cause pain and other health problems that affect a child’s ability to concentrate in school.

School nurses, along with volunteer dentists and dental hygienists from the Neighborhood Health Dental Clinic, facilitate free dental screening and the sealant program in the following elementary and middle schools.

Elementary schools

Middle Schools

Hearing

An annual audiometer (hearing) test is mandated in certain grades by Indiana Code. Health Services does not provide this testing. Testing is done by FWCS Speech/Audiology.

Hearing tests are performed at Anthis Career Center by appointment, for children in the FWCS district by our audiologist. Call 260.467.1090 for information.

Hearing screenings are completed on all Special Education students each year as well as all students who are in the first, fourth, seventh and tenth grades. All teachers in FWCS also receive a referral letter asking if they have any other students who should be screened for a hearing loss. Special Education can be reached by calling 260.467.1110.

Lead Screening

Lead toxicity in children has life-long consequences. Lead exposure may cause adverse effects on the urinary, gastrointestinal and hematopoietic systems in children. The nervous system may also be damaged, causing learning difficulties.

For information please contact the Fort Wayne/ Allen County Department of Health at (260.449. 8600) or visit the Lead and Healthy Homes Program website.